[Asia Economy Reporter Eunbyeol Kim] Two U.S. military bases located in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, where clusters of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) occurred, have been locked down, according to reports from Asahi Shimbun and others.
According to reports on the 12th, a total of 61 U.S. military personnel were infected with COVID-19 at two U.S. military bases in Okinawa Prefecture, Futenma Air Station and Camp Hansen, between the 7th and 11th of this month.
The U.S. Forces Japan notified Okinawa Prefecture yesterday that 38 people at Futenma and 23 at Hansen were infected in clusters, and announced that the two bases have been locked down. Entry and exit to the two bases have been prohibited in principle.
Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki criticized the U.S. Forces Japan at a press conference yesterday, saying, "I was shocked by the report" and "It is extremely regrettable. I cannot help but strongly doubt the infection prevention measures (of the U.S. military)."
Okinawa Prefecture stated that there is information that U.S. military personnel enjoyed parties in downtown Okinawa and on the beach on July 4th, the U.S. Independence Day, and urged Okinawa residents who are feeling unwell to consult medical institutions. Initially, the U.S. Forces Japan requested that the number of infected persons be kept confidential based on the U.S. Department of Defense's policy, but reportedly withdrew the request following Okinawa Prefecture's opposition.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
